Parents Abandoned Infant Following Heated Argument, Police Said After Rescue Mission

An infant, who was abandoned by her parents after they had a heated argument, has been rescued.

Police responded to the scene in Manenberg, South Africa, on Sunday evening after receiving reports of an abandoned baby, believed to be less than 1 year old, and rescued the infant.

Confirming the news Tuesday, police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said the infant was found abandoned behind Grieta Court on Sunday. She was rescued and is currently being taken care of by social workers. The condition of the child was not known, local outlet MTN Play reported.

Hours after the baby was found, local Facebook group Manenberg Gangwatch posted about her, asking witnesses or anyone with information about the little girl to come forward.

The following morning, the mother of the infant was traced and was found intoxicated. Investigation revealed that the woman and her husband abandoned the infant following a heated argument. The reason behind the argument was not known and no information was available about the father. As of Tuesday, no criminal case was opened.

Roegchanda Pascoe, chairperson of the Manenberg Safety Forum, a local human rights organization told Independent Online that a case should be filed against the mother.

"The law should take its course. We must send out a strong message that that is not allowed. We are not going to allow parents not to take care and responsibility for their children. A case should be made against her for negligence. As a state, we don't want to remove children from their parents but parents should take ownership of their children and their realities."

Esther Lewis, Provincial Department of Social Development spokesperson, told the outlet that the Department of Social Development or a designated child protection agency must be informed as soon as an abandoned baby is found.

"The baby would generally have a medical check-up and treatment provided if necessary. A social worker would then ensure that the child is placed in a place of safety – which could either be with a safety [sic.] parent or in a child and youth care facility. A social work investigation is conducted and the findings presented to the Children’s Court which then decides on the placement of the child," he said.